WO2010066870A1

WO2010066870A1 - Tailpiece for stringed instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2010066870A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/066898
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zoran Markovic; Robert Cvelbar; Borut Bundara
Original assignee: Zoran Markovic; Robert Cvelbar; Borut Bundara
Priority date: 2008-12-12
Filing date: 2009-12-11
Publication date: 2010-06-17
Also published as: FR2939952A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a tailpiece (40) for an instrument (1) comprising at least one soundbox (10), at least one bridge (30), and at least two strings (51, 52, 53, 54), said tailpiece (40) comprising: at least one fastening device (41, 42, 43, 44) for each string (51, 52, 53, 54) and at least one securing device (46) for securing the tailpiece (40) to the soundbox (10) of the instrument (1), said fastening device (41, 42, 43, 44) being such that at least one of the distances underneath the bridge (34) is different from at least one other, so that the ratio of the length underneath the bridge (34) to the length above the bridge (32), has a different value between at least two of the strings (51, 52, 53, 54), each ratio being able to be written in the form x/n, "x" being the octave level and "n" being the harmonic and being selected from the natural non-zero integers. The invention also relates to an instrument using such a tailpiece and the process for manufacturing such a tailpiece.

Description

Strings for string instruments

The invention relates to the field of musical instruments and in particular a string-fastener for any type of stringed musical instrument.

The invention is particularly suitable for stringed instruments such as violins, viola, cello, double bass, instrument category where the string-tie is called tailpiece.

The invention could also be used for plucked-scraped string instruments such as guitars or lutes.

The invention could also be adapted to struck string instruments such as pianos or cymbals.

A string-fastener, such as for example a tailpiece, makes it possible to fix the strings on one end of the instrument called here the lower end. The strings can extend between the strings and an upper end, which we will also call the head of the instrument, passing over a "support" on which the strings are leaning. The "support support" may for example be a bridge in the case of stringed instruments or a nut in the case of plucked instruments-strung.

In the case of stringed instruments, the master luthiers have determined over the ages an "optimum" ratio of the length of the strings between the tailpiece, the bridge and the head of the instrument. This ratio under bridge / trestle is today 1: 6 for all strings. This value is not absolute and may be slightly different depending on the instrument. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "on an easel" or "on a support support" is understood to mean the length of rope going from the bridge, or the "support support", to the point of contact on the upper end, or the head, of the instrument.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "under the bridge" or "under support support" is intended to mean the length of the rope from the bridge, or the "support support", to the point of contact on the tailpiece, or clip-strings. Nowadays, ropes are only rarely gut. The materials used are rather synthetic or metallic. The sound can lose quality and in particular lead to harder and more rigid sounds. The invention aims to improve the sound of the strings and / or the instrument.

The invention can also accelerate and / or improve the time of the vibration period of the strings in the sub-trestle section, or under "support support", and thus make the sound more serious or more acute at the request of the final user.

In a general manner, the invention can also improve the color of the sound and / or the sound volume, in particular for the bowed string instruments such as violins, viola, cello, double bass and other instruments of the same family as well as for plucked instruments such as guitars or strings, such as the piano.

According to a first aspect, an object of the invention is an instrument string fastener comprising at least one box, at least one support support, and at least two strings, said string fastener comprising at least one fastening device for each rope and; at least one device for holding the cord attachment on the instrument body, said fastening device being adapted so that at least one of the distances under the support support is different from at least one other , so that the length ratio under the support / length on the support support has a different value between at least two of the strings, each ratio can be written in the form x / n, "x" corresponding to the octave level and "n" corresponding to the rank of harmonic and being chosen from nonzero natural numbers.

The securing device of each rope on the rope-fastener may for example be a simple orifice through which the rope passes for its fastening.

By "at least one of the distances under the support support is different from at least one other", is meant within the meaning of this invention a difference of at least 1 cm, especially at least 2 cm, in particular at least 3 cm, or even at least 5 cm.

The value "x" corresponds to the octave level, well known musicians.

For example, it is well known that for an octave "level one" root note corresponding to a frequency of 440 Hz for a LA note, octave "level two" corresponds to a frequency of 880 Hz for a note. LA, the octave "level three" corresponds to a frequency of 1760 Hz for a LA note, each upper octave being obtained by multiplying the previous frequency by two.

This example is shown in the table below.

Advantageously, one will choose a value "x" equal to one and corresponding to the fundamental note.

The value "n" is chosen from non-zero natural numbers and corresponds to the rank of the series of harmonics. These are values well known to those skilled in the art.

For example, for a string of frequencies corresponding to a frequency of 440 Hz for a note LA, row two of the series corresponds to a frequency of 880 Hz for a note LA, row three of the series corresponds to a frequency of 1320 Hz for a note MI, row four of the series corresponds to a frequency of 1760 Hz for a note LA, row five of the series corresponds to a frequency of 2200 Hz for a note DO #, and so following by adding to each rank the value of the frequency of rank one. This example is shown in the table below.

We can of course rely on another fundamental frequency such as a LA note with a frequency of

442 Hz or a LA note with a frequency of 445 Hz.

Advantageously, the ratio can in particular be chosen from the following values: 1: 8, 1: 7, 1: 6, 1: 5, 1: 4, 1: 3.

In particular, the rope attachment may comprise a plurality of fastening devices for each rope. This arrangement could allow a user to easily choose his harmonics.

In particular, the strings have a ratio that follows, that is, the first, second, third, and fourth chords can have 1: 6, 1: 5, 1: 4, 1: 3, or again 1: 7,

1: 6, 1: 5, 1: 4, or 1: 6, 1: 6, 1: 4, 1: 3, or 1: 6, 1: 4, 1: 3, 1: 3 etc.

According to another embodiment, the cords have an increasing or decreasing ratio, the values of which may be similar such as 1: 3, 1: 3, 1: 6, 1: 6 or 1: 4, 1: 4, 1 : 5, 1: 6, etc.

Advantageously, the ratio could also be chosen from among the following values: 2: 8, 2: 7, 2: 6, 2: 5, 2: 4, 2: 3.

The musical instruments, and more particularly those of the category of the bowed string instruments, are subjected to the vibrations of the bow on the strings and to variations due to the variations of temperature and / or humidity. Historically, the bridge is set to have a ratio of 1: 6 but the reasons cited above explain the variations that can occur and the skilled person will readily understand that these values are approximate values for which it is difficult to give a tolerance . Thus, the ratios and lengths contemplated for this invention are not "absolute". Indeed, from one instrument to another, these ratios, or lengths, can be adjusted substantially differently to present an optimum sound quality. For the purposes of the invention, these ratios or lengths may have variations of +/- 10%, in particular +/- 5%, or more particularly +/- 2% and in particular +/- 0, 5%.

In particular, the device for holding the cord attachment on the body of the instrument is adapted to be positioned to counteract the tensioning forces of the strings of the instrument.

The fact of presenting different lengths of strings, especially if the strings are not distributed along an axis of axial symmetry, causes the formation of different tension forces. It is then necessary to off-center the fastening device of the cable tie to balance the cable tie or to have a device for adjusting the balance.

Advantageously, the holding device is a screw / nut device, in particular adapted to cooperate with the instrument or a portion of the instrument, and for adjusting the tension of the strings, in particular to adjust finely.

According to a particular embodiment, the string fastener is made of wood, a plastic material, resin, carbon, composite material, braids, cables, a metallic material or a combination of several of these elements. Those skilled in the art may advantageously choose another material having appropriate characteristics, and in particular similar to the materials mentioned above.

Among the appropriate features, it should be noted that some materials will slow wave propagation, such as with dense wood, and others will be an excellent medium for transmitting waves, such as aluminum or a well-known acoustic wood specialists in violin making.

According to another of its aspects, the invention also relates to an instrument comprising at least one string-fastener as defined above. Advantageously, the instrument comprises at least four strings of which one has a ratio of 1: 3, the second a ratio of 1: 4, the third a ratio of 1: 5 and the fourth a ratio of 1: 6.

In particular, the instrument is a violin, a viola, a cello or a double bass.

According to another aspect of the invention, the subject of the invention is the use of a cable tie, in particular as defined above, as an agent for improving the quality of the sound of the instrument on which it is positioned. Without being bound by the following theory, it is possible that the tie-strings allow a synergistic harmonization of the tones of the strings, in particular on the part under support support, bridge or nut. This harmonization could be due to the different intonation levels of each string. For example, the length under support, bridge or nut, in particular of the rope 4, is doubled compared to that of a conventional cord-tie.

This modification would make it possible to obtain a series of harmonic sounds of a lower octave than in the case of a classical tailpiece. This would lead to an improvement in color and an increase in sound volume, for example up to 10 dB.

Optimum adjustment of the trestle lengths and / or the easel / trestle ratio would allow synergistic harmonization of the tones which can accelerate and increase the vibration time.

The optimum settings may depend on each instrument, instrument type or individual instrument.

It is possible that these changes in lengths and / or ratios can improve the vibrations of the parts on the bridge of the strings.

It is also possible that the vibration of the instrument itself is improved, perhaps because of the increased vibration time of the strings.

In addition, the extension of the harmonic series could make it possible to include all the bass frequencies available to the instrument. In summary, and without being bound by this theory, it is possible that this string-tie, for example a tailpiece, or string attachment system, of a stringed instrument may allow the extension of harmonized sounds. This synergistic tuning of harmonized tones would speed up and extend the vibration time of the strings as the instrument is played. This extension of time could for example allow to obtain harmonized sounds of an octave below the conventional settings in force and thus improve the acoustic performance of the instrument. The invention can also operate by varying the spacing between the strings and / or by varying the height of the support support, bridge or nut.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a rope attachment as described above for an instrument comprising at least one securing device for each rope and at least one device for holding a rope fastener on a crate of rope. the instrument, the method comprising:

- Arrange the fastening devices on the cable-tie so that the length ratio under support / support support length has a different value between at least two strings, each ratio can be written in the form x / n, "x" corresponding to the octave level and "n" corresponding to the rank of harmonic and being chosen from non-zero natural numbers. The invention is now described with reference to the non-limiting drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a bowed string instrument, the instrument represented being a violin,

FIG. 2 is a side view of the instrument of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 represents a tailpiece according to the prior art;

FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively represent a first and a second embodiment of a tailpiece according to the invention, and

- Figure 6 is a detailed view of the device for holding the tailpiece on the instrument. The examples described below relate more particularly to a tailpiece but could correspond to any type of string-tie for any type of stringed instrument. According to the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is a bowed string instrument and more particularly a violin, comprising a body 10, a head 20, an easel 30, a tailpiece 40 and four strings 51, 52, 53 and 54. The instrument is a traditional instrument on which has been fitted a tailpiece 40 according to one embodiment of the invention.

The tailpiece 40, detailed in FIG. 3 according to the prior art and detailed in FIGS. 4 and 5 according to a first and a second embodiment of the invention, has orifices 41, 42, 43 and 44 capable of receiving and secure one end of the ropes 51, 52, 53 and 54.

The joining of the ropes can, however, be obtained by any other means of securing. These ropes 51, 52, 53 and 54 then pass on the bridge 30 and tend towards the head 20 of the instrument 1 on which they are fixed. The head 20 of the instrument 1 comprises four pins 21, 22, 23 and 24. Each of these pins is adapted to receive a rope and the tender. The tension of each string allows them to be tuned.

In the example of a violin, the four strings are respectively tuned as follows: first string 51 tuned in MI, second string 52 tuned in LA, third string

53 granted in RE and fourth string 54 tuned in SOL. In another instrument, such as an Alto, the four strings are respectively tuned in LA RE SOL DO.

In the embodiment shown, the strings rest on a band 25 located under the head 20 of the instrument 1 and then rest on the bridge 30. For the remainder of the description, we will call this length the length of the bridge 32.

Also in the example shown, the strings then extend between the bridge 30 and a band 45 located at the tailpiece 40. For the remainder of the description, we will call this length the length under bridge 34.

The trestle length 32 is substantially six times greater than the trestle length 34, which is a 1: 6 ratio. 3 shows a tailpiece 40 according to the prior art with its orifices 41, 42, 43 and 44 adapted to receive directly, or via a tensioner (not shown), the ropes 51, 52, 53 and 54 of the instrument 1. The tensioner has a function of fine adjustment of the tension of the strings. The tailpiece 40 is held on the instrument by a holding device 46 which is fixed on the body 10, surrounding a support secured to the latter (not shown). FIG. 4 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a tailpiece 40, according to the invention in which the first rope 41 and the second rope have a 1: 6 ratio, the third rope has a ratio of 1: 4 and the fourth rope a ratio 1: 3.

FIG. 5 represents a second exemplary embodiment of a tailpiece 40 according to the invention in which the first rope has a 1: 6 ratio, the second rope 42 has a 1: 5 ratio, the third rope has a 1: 4 ratio; and the fourth string a 1: 3 ratio.

Those skilled in the art can advantageously use the ratios in other configurations depending on the instruments used and the sounds sought.

By way of example, reference may be made to the table below, which describes a note (L) and its note of resonance (L / 6) for the different strings of different stringed instruments, as well as the different notes of resonance (L / 5, L / 4, L / 3, L / 2) that can be obtained with the invention.

In this table, the length of rope L corresponds to the length of rope above the tailpiece. The length of rope L / 6 corresponds to the length of rope under the tailpiece, L / 6 corresponding to the traditional ratio of 1/6 used by luthiers.

The value of frequency in bold corresponds to the note played by rubbing the bow on the corresponding string above the bridge and the value of frequency in bold italic corresponds to the note of resonance of the part of string under the bridge, for this traditional ratio of 1/6.

It is found that by varying the length under the bridge (L / 3,

L / 4, L / 5 ...) you can modify the note of resonance and thus to obtain a more serious or more acute sound according to the wishes of the end user, while maintaining a good harmonic.

For example, a musician who has a traditional viola whose four strings rubbed, above the tailpiece, sound respectively in LA, RE, SOL and DO and each have a string of resonance, under string, which resonates in MI, LA, RE and SOL.

In the case where the musician wishes that his most serious strings, SOL and DO resonate in a more serious way, one could propose to him to modify the length, by doubling the initial length of the string of resonance, whose ratio would then be 1/3, which would resonate the parts of ropes under tail at the lower octave.

We would then obtain the following combination, strings rubbed in LA, RE, SOL and DO with ratios in 1/6, 1/6, 1/3 and 1/3 to obtain a string resonance in MI, LA, RE + 1 octave and SOL + 1 octave.

In another example, one could choose ratios 1/4 for these same two strings of resonance, then to obtain a resonance in SOL and DO. FIG. 6 shows in detail a particular embodiment of the holding device 46 of the tailpiece 40 on the body of the instrument 1 in which the holding device 46 comprises a screw / nut system 47, 48, in particular adapted to cooperate with the instrument 1 or a part attached to the instrument. The holding device 46 comprises two parts. The first part 46a is integral with the tailpiece 40 and the second portion 46b is integral with the body of the instrument 1. The first part is threaded or has a nut 47 secured to this first part for example by crimping. This threaded portion is adapted to receive a screw 48 whose head is secured to the second portion 46b. There is thus a rack system for moving the tailpiece along the length of the instrument 1 and thus to stretch the ropes 51, 52, 53 and 54.

According to a particular embodiment, the holding device 46 comprises two rods 48a and 48b integral with the second part.

46b. These two rods 48a, 48b are able to slide in two orifices 47a and 47b made in the first part 46a. The clearance between the rods 48a, 48b and their associated orifices 47a, 47b is slidably adjusted to allow sliding. This arrangement makes it possible to maintain the tailpiece 40 in the axis of the instrument 1 but also to counteract the efforts that could generate the positioning of the strings when the latter are not positioned along an axis of axial symmetry. Figures 7 and 8 show in detail another particular embodiment of the holding device 100 of the tailpiece 40 on the body of the instrument.

The holding device 100 comprises in particular a rod 1 capable of driving a plate 120 in translation relative to a support

130 to ensure the tension of the strings of the instrument.

The rod 1 comprises a stop 11 1 1 and a first threaded portion 1 12 adapted to pass through an orifice 121 substantially in the center of the plate 120. The rod 1 10 is secured to the plate 120 via a nut 140 adapted to cooperate with the first threaded portion 1 12.

The plate 120 also comprises two orifices 122, 123 capable of holding the ends of a rope or cable 150 secured to the instrument. The second threaded portion 1 13 of the rod 1 10 is screwed through a threaded hole 131 of the support 130.

The support 130 also comprises two orifices 132, 133 able to let the rope or cable 150 pass.

The tailpiece 40 comprises a recess 400 adapted to receive the holding device 100. More particularly, the recess

400 comprises a through hole 410 able to pass the internally threaded protrusion 131 of the support 130. The tailpiece 40 also comprises two other orifices 412, 413 able to let the rope or cable 150. The holding device 100 in place in the housing 400 of the tailpiece 40, simply turn the threaded rod 1 10 in the support 130 to move away or closer to the plate 120. This operation ensures the tension of the strings of the instrument.

Claims

Instrument straps (40) (1) comprising at least one body (10), at least one support (30), and at least two strings (51, 52, 53, 54), said fastener -cords (40) comprising at least one securing device (41, 42, 43, 44) for each string (51, 52, 53, 54) and; at least one device (46) for holding the cable tie (40) on the box (10) of the instrument (1), the said securing device (41, 42, 43, 44) being suitable for at least one of the distances under the support (34) is different from at least one other, so that the length ratio under the support (34) / length on the support (32) , has a different value between at least two of the strings (51, 52, 53, 54), each ratio being written in the form x / n, "x" corresponding to the octave level and "n" corresponding to the rank harmonic and being chosen from nonzero natural numbers.

2. A ropes tie according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of securing devices (41, 42, 43, 44) for each rope (51, 52, 53, 54).

Instrument string tie (40) (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the retaining device (46) of the cable tie (40) on the body (10) of the instrument (1) is adapted to be positioned to counteract the tensioning forces of the strings (51, 52, 53, 54) of the instrument (1).

4. Strapper (40) for instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holding device (46) comprises a screw / nut system (47, 48), in particular adapted to cooperate with the instrument (1) or a part attached to the instrument.

5. Rope tie (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is made of wood, a plastic material, carbon, resin, composite material, braids, cables, a metallic material or a combination of several of these elements.

6. Instrument (1) characterized in that it comprises at least one stringer (40) as defined in claims 1 to 5.

7. Instrument (1) according to claim 6 comprising at least four strings (51, 52, 53, 54) of which one has a ratio of 1: 3, the second a ratio of 1: 4, the third a ratio of 1: 5 and the fourth a ratio of 1: 6, or even 1: 6, 1: 5, 1: 4, 1: 3; 1: 7, 1: 6, 1: 5, 1: 4; 1: 6, 1: 6, 1: 4, 1: 3,; 1: 6, 1: 4, 1: 3, 1: 3; 1: 3, 1: 3, 1: 6, 1: 6; or 1: 4,

1: 4, 1: 5, 1: 6.

8. Instrument (1) according to claim 6 or 7 characterized in that it is a violin, a viola, a cello or a bass.

9. Use of a stringer (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, as an agent for improving the sound quality of the instrument on which it is positioned.

10. A method of manufacturing a cord attachment (40) for an instrument comprising at least one securing device (41, 42, 43, 44) for each cord (51, 52, 53, 54) and at least one device holding (46) a ratchet (40) on a box (10) of the instrument (1), the method comprising:

- Arrange the securing devices (41, 42, 43, 44) on the cable tie (40) so that the length ratio under support (34) / length support (32) has a different value between at least two strings (51, 52, 53, 54), each ratio being written in the form x / n, "x" corresponding to the octave level and "n" corresponding to the harmonic rank and being selected from non-zero natural numbers.